Several organizations in the Fayette community will host events during February (and early March) to celebrate Black History Month. The theme is “Appreciating Black Lives,” focusing throughout the month on black lives, movies, beauty, talent, and film.

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual celebration in the United States and Canada. It is celebrated in a few other countries as well. The celebration began in 1926, when Carter G. Woodson, American historian, author, journalist, Harvard doctoral graduate, and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, initially recommended the second week of February as “Negro History Week.” According to published articles, “this weeklong celebration was chosen to honor the birth months of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both historical figures fought against slavery.” In the late 1960s, due in part to the civil rights movement, the name evolved to Black History Month. And, since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month.

Lue Lockridge-Lane, Chair of the Community Relations Committee of Fayette Together, and Toni Randle, President of the African American Student Union at Central Methodist University, the two organizations instrumental in planning the events, say what a great time this is for the community to come together in an inclusive way to celebrate this special moment in the history of the country as we “reflect on yesterday and today, shining lights toward tomorrow.” All events are free except for the 90’s dance, and the public is cordially invited to each.

Other organizations hosting events include Central Missouri Clergy Coalition, Central Methodist University’s Center of Faith and Service, Howard County Public Library, Lincoln Public School Memorial Committee, and St. Paul United Methodist Church. Please see the